Rouvanjit suicide case: NCPCR finds La Martiniere School guilty
Why the West Bengal government cannot step in the unruly behavior of the Principal and some teachers is not understandable. La Martiniere is one of the most expensive schools in Kolkata and students feel proud to be associated with this school. In a school like this the system should have been more perfect than other schools, where facilities are not as it is in La Martiniere.
Rouvanjit Rawla was an eighth standard student and he committed suicide on 12 February this year. His parents were shocked with this incident and were rather puzzled how an eighth standard student can take a drastic step like suicide. Knowing that his son was harassed in the school often, Rouvanjit’s father Ajay Rawla complained to the school board after the tragic demise of his son, but the school authority did not heed to his complaint, rather it dismissed two board members, who were pressing for an inquiry. Ajay’s persistent persuasion to different relevant places made the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights took up the matter with the school and after initial enquiry ruled that Rouvanjit was forced to take this step due to incessant harassment and corporal punishment by the La Martiniere School. The allegation of Mr. Rawla against the school is corporal punishment that became a norm in the school was found true by the NCPCR. The Commission will submit the report to higher authority in Delhi, media reported. The atmosphere in the said school is not suitable for the children, informed Ashok Agarwal, a member of the probe committee of NCPCR. The complaint was lodged against the principal of the school Sunirmal Chakraborty and four other teachers, who allegedly tortured Rouvanjit for months. Another watchdog body the National Commission for Minority Education too wanted to investigate the wrong doing of the school but in vain. They were not cooperated by the school authority in spite of informing their visit to the school well in advance.
The audacity of the school authority is very clearly seen and it is trying to use influence to get away from the unprecedented happenings in the school. Many small incidences are now coming out from the parents that they kept with them for fear of repercussions to their wards.
The government in the state as well as the central government must take appropriate action against the accused for the safety of the students in this school and other schools.
although the police has taken the step and filed cases against those mentioned above, but they should look into the angle of abetment of suicide.